Guardianship Wheels
Systemic Resource Center

Lev​el 7 |
Ethical standards, accountability and support network for the guardian

Support network

Support network

Guardians benefit from a support network to carry out their complex tasks. Support should be provided by the guardianship authorities, including access to a multi-disciplinary group of professionals to provide expertise, advice and assistance for the guardian’s tasks. Access to legal advice, interpretation and cultural mediation are particularly important to support the guardian’s communication with the child and enable the guardian to adequately represent the child.

In addition to the support provided by the guardianship authority, guardians could develop their own support networks with persons from their community and other guardians who exchange and consult on all relevant issues and mobilise support as needed for children and guardians. In light of their own experience in building and using a support network, guardians should also support the child they assist in building a support network.

See also:

Level 1: Child rights principles
Level 5: Mandate and tasks of the guardian

Reference:


EU training and learning platform for guardians of unaccompanied children
Chapter 4: Session 4.1. A support network for guardians and accountability

Literature:

FRA (European Agency for Fundamental Rights) (2014), Guardianship for children deprived of parental care, A handbook to reinforce guardianship systems to cater for the specific needs of child victims of trafficking, Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union (Publications Office), pp. 51-52.  

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